My Reflection on "Dewey on Education"

This week's assigned reading by John Dewey illustrates education in a way that I have never looked at it before. Dewey describes education as a "social institution" in which education "is a process of living and not a preparation for future living." (22). I had never thought of the importance of schools in developing a social human being. I always looked at my education as something that I would need for later use, rather than something to help shape my morals and interests. I do realize that my experiences in school has had a large affect on my social life. It was at school where I learned to interact with other people through making friendships, to playing on the playground with my classmates, to working in groups of students in my class. Many times, my teachers would also ask me to find a connection between the subject that was being studied and the world in which I live in. During my senior year in physics class, my class would be assigned to write a reflection after ever chapter in which we would describe how the topic we were studying was present in our lives. I found this exercise helpful for me to better understand the topic I was studying, as well as look past the scientific aspect of it.
I also liked the idea that "school life should grow gradually out of the home life." (23). I think that this is a very important idea when first introducing a young student to the classroom and learning, because the home is something that they are very comfortable with. I agree that while the home is where a child first forms their morals, the school can then help to build upon them. I also found it interesting that Dewey believes that the purpose of a teacher is "to select the influences which shall affect the child and to assist him in properly responding to these influences." (25). While I do agree with this statement, I also believe that a teacher is a role model for their students, especially for elementary school students who are very impressional. I feel that part of the responsibility of teaching is to display morals that are important to our society. I do agree, however, that teachers have too much to do with students' learning. I feel that teachers should help facilitate experiences so that the students can become accustomed to learning independently. This goes along with Dewey's idea that "ideas result from action." (28). It is also the responsibility of the teacher to observe a student's interests and encourage those interests.
I was happy to read that Dewey also believes that studying skills such as sewing, cooking, and mechanics should be taught in schools and should be treated like all other subjects taught in schools. As Dewey goes on to say, I also agree that in order for a school to successfully teach its students, the community must articulate moral behaior through its laws and actions. What is being taught in the schools must be supported by the community in which the students live.
Finally, I felt empowered by the way in which Dewey described the responsibilities of teachers. It is the duty of teachers to shape students into successful members of society. I especially liked one of his last sentences in which he writes, "I believe that every teacher should realize the dignity of his calling; that he is a social servant set apart for the maintenance of proper social order and the securing of the right social growth." (32). That excerpt was especially motivating for me and has helped me to realize the importance of my future profession. I am excited to have such a huge affect on society.